Hereditary is every bit as terrifying as we hoped! This movie stays with you for quite some time – and yet, I can’t wait to watch it again. A brilliantly scary mindf*ck!

Hereditary won me over with its very first trailer. I adored the fact that all teasers and trailers focused on setting the tone rather than giving us a summary.

Obviously, you’ve seen scenes in the trailer that you’ll then watch in the movie. But you don’t know how the characters end up in various situations. And believe me, you’d never guess the half of it.

If you loved It Follows and Mother! then this will be perfect for you. Also, Rosemary’s Baby is another obvious comparison movie, though for different reasons. If you hated all those movies or felt they demanded too much of you, then you might not like Hereditary. To each their own… but damn, how you will be missing out!

For me, Hereditary is absolutely one of the best horror movies. Not just this year or in recent time, but one of the best ever.

You can watch the trailer for Hereditary right here or continue reading our review below.

Toni Collette is breathtakingly good

Yes, I’ve always adored Toni Collette. From watching her in Muriel’s Wedding to her heartbreaking performance in The Sixth Sense. However, with Hereditary is seems like she’s reached a whole new level of brilliance.

She breaks my heart and scares the living crap out of me. All within the span of minutes. Even seconds at certain times. She has so much to work with and manages to wring every little moment for all its worth.

There better be some big award nominations heading her way for this performance!

Of course, we’ve all noticed Milly Shapiro in the trailers and press images. She plays the daughter, Charlie, and is even better than anything the trailer indicates. She can make herself so small and seems so lost.

Apparently, Milly Shapiro loves horror movies herself, and I sure hope this means we’ll get to see her in more of them.

Hereditary (2018) Horror

Alex Wolff? Yes, please!

We also see Alex Wolff, who plays Peter – the oldest child of Annie (Toni Collette) – in the Hereditary trailer. However, I had no idea of the role he would actually play in the movie. Alex Wolff has some of the most difficult scenes and when working across from Toni Collette, something magical happens.

They draw pain, malice, and intensity out of one another in the most amazing way. All you have to do is sit back and take it in. Well, not that you have a choice, because they will blow you away.

Also, I thought I knew Alex Wolff from Death Note, but that was his older brother Nat Wolff. For me, little brother Alex Wolff scored the jackpot with this role. He also gave it everything!

Finally, there’s Gabriel Byrne, who portrays the father of Peter and Charlie. He’s very calm and laid back as he tries to create a “normal” life for the family. Basically, he also represents the horror fans who like to play the “nothing scares me”-game while watching a horror movie. Go ahead, try to guess how that will work out for him!

Hereditary (2018) Horror

Always watch the corners

Do yourself a favor and avoid all spoilers for Hereditary. You will in no way be able to guess what happens, so just enjoy the ride. There are twists and turns along the way. Many of which happens when Ann Dowd (The Handmaid’s Tale) comes into play. She also has some amazing scenes with Toni Collette’s character, Annie.

Don’t worry, this isn’t Paranormal Activity where you’ll wait for the smallest gust of wind.

It also isn’t crazy jumpscares or stereotypical horror slasher villains. Rather Hereditary is a full attack on your entire nervous system. Also, you should always (always!) watch the corners. Especially during the last 10-15 minutes.

There’s a play on light and dark, day and night, throughout the movie. It will change with literally the blink of an eye. Towards the ending, however, it’s all about what you find in the dark shadows. Usually, something will be there.

And no, it probably won’t be for everyone since you do have to surrender to it. But I mean, come on, it has all the elements we love from classic horror movies. Just told in a different and more direct (or even realistic) way.

Yes, Hereditary is that scary!

Ari Aster both wrote and directed Hereditary as his debut feature film. I simultaneously long and fear for his future.

I mean, the last time someone broke onto the horror movie scene with a movie starring Toni Collette, it was M. Night Shyamalan with The Sixth Sense. It’s one Hell of a tough act to follow.

And Hereditary is like The Sixth Sense on LSD. A brilliantly scary mindf*uck that still hasn’t left me. Yes, Hereditary is actually that scary and brilliant, so just go watch it at the movie theater now!

Even the score for this movie is unnerving. Like white noise that’s amplified. All elements – both visual and audio – are used to perfection here.

Hereditary is out in theaters in the US now!

Details

Director: Ari Aster
Writer: Ari Aster
Cast: Toni Collette, Milly Shapiro, Alex Wolff, Gabriel Byrne, Ann Dowd

Plot

After the family matriarch passes away, a grieving family is haunted by tragic and disturbing occurrences, and begin to unravel dark secrets.

I write reviews and recaps on Heaven of Horror. And yes, it does happen that I find myself screaming, when watching a good horror movie. I love psychological horror, survival horror and kick-ass women. Also, I have a huge soft spot for a good horror-comedy. Oh yeah, and I absolutely HATE when animals are harmed in movies, so I will immediately think less of any movie, where animals are harmed for entertainment (even if the animals are just really good actors). Fortunately, horror doesn't use this nearly as much as comedy. And people assume horror lovers are the messed up ones. Go figure!
Karina "ScreamQueen" Adelgaard
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